Europe’s Starlink Rival Surges as It Eyes Ukraine Expansion

​Shares of Eutelsat Communications, Europe’s leading satellite provider, have skyrocketed 229 percent this year, as the company positions itself as an alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink in Ukraine.

Eutelsat’s CEO, Eve Berneke, confirmed that talks with European leaders have intensified over the past two weeks about replacing Starlink’s satellite services in Ukraine. The company is now assessing how quickly it could match Starlink’s estimated 40,000 terminals in the country, which have been crucial for military and civilian communications since the war began.

Why Eutelsat Is in the Spotlight
Momentum for Eutelsat’s stock took off after Germany announced a major defense spending increase in response to President Trump’s decision to pause military aid to Ukraine. Investors see this as an opportunity for Europe to develop its own independent communications network, reducing reliance on U.S.-controlled infrastructure.

While Starlink remains Ukraine’s dominant satellite provider, Eutelsat believes it can scale up its operations quickly. The company currently has a few thousand terminals in Ukraine but says it could deploy another 2,000 immediately and expand significantly within a few months, not years—if given the necessary financial and logistical support.

Challenges to Replacing Starlink
Despite Eutelsat’s ambitions, there are significant hurdles. Starlink has an established network and proven reliability in conflict zones, making an immediate switch difficult. Additionally, Eutelsat does not manufacture its own terminals, meaning it must coordinate with suppliers to ramp up production.

Eutelsat is also in discussions with the Italian government, which has grown hesitant about finalizing a $1.6 billion Starlink contract amid the U.S. shifting its security commitments in Europe. Italian officials are now considering alternative satellite providers, and Eutelsat hopes to position itself as a viable option.

What’s Next?
If European governments decide to fund Eutelsat’s expansion, Starlink’s dominance in Ukraine could face its first real challenge. However, scaling up to match Starlink’s infrastructure will require significant financial backing and coordination across multiple countries.

For now, investors are betting that Europe is ready to invest in its own satellite capabilities, and Eutelsat stands to benefit—if it can deliver on its promises.







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